Irish Village Demonstration Schedule

BLOCK ONE

Saturday, September 25

10:00 - 11:00 am IDHSNA Demo featuring:
BenMar Bella Blue - driving
Miss Pamela - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
Bridon Beale Street - eventing
Grace's Star - eventing

4:30 - 5:30 pm Connemara Demo

Sunday, September 26

11:00 - 11:30 am IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
BenMar Bella Blue - driving
Miss Pamela - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
Bridon Beale Street - eventing
Grace's Star - eventing

Monday, September 27

10:30 - 11:00 am Connemara Demo

11:00 - 11:30 am IDHSNA Demo featuring:
BenMar Bella Blue - driving
Miss Pamela - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
Bridon Beale Street - eventing
Grace's Star - eventing

Tuesday, September 28

10:30 - 11:00 am Connemara Demo

4:30 - 5:00 pm IDHSNA Demo featuring:
BenMar Bella Blue - driving
Miss Pamela - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
Bridon Beale Street - eventing
Grace's Star - eventing

BLOCK TWO

Wednesday, September 29

10:30 - 11:00 am IDHSNA Demo featuring:
Sportsfield's Zebadee - eventing
Steeped in Luck - dressage
Glenlord's Laralie - dressage/jumping
Fergus MacFinn - eventing
Corocotta de la Galerna - eventing
Ballynoe Rum - eventing
Fernhill Henry Juan - eventing

11:00 - 11:30am Connemara Demo

Thursday, September 30

2:30 - 3:00 pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
Sportsfield's Zebadee - eventing
Steeped in Luck - dressage
Glenlord's Laralie - dressage/jumping
Fergus MacFinn - eventing
Corocotta de la Galerna - eventing
Ballynoe Rum - eventing
Fernhill Henry Juan - eventing

Friday, October 1

11:30am - 12:00pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
Sportsfield's Zebadee - eventing
Steeped in Luck - dressage
Glenlord's Laralie - dressage/jumping
Fergus MacFinn - eventing
Corocotta de la Galerna - eventing
Ballynoe Rum - eventing
Fernhill Henry Juan - eventing

Saturday, October 2

4:30 - 5:00 pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
Sportsfield's Zebadee - eventing
Steeped in Luck - dressage
Glenlord's Laralie - dressage/jumping
Fergus MacFinn - eventing
Corocotta de la Galerna - eventing
Ballynoe Rum - eventing
Fernhill Henry Juan - eventing

BLOCK THREE

Sunday, October 3

10:30 - 11:00 am IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
Miss Pamela - dressage
Dandelion Diamond Rebel - eventing
Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds - eventing
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Monday, October 4

4:30 - 5:00pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
Miss Pamela - dressage
Dandelion Diamond Rebel - eventing
Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds - eventing
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Tuesday, October 5

2:00 - 2:30pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
Miss Pamela - dressage
Dandelion Diamond Rebel - eventing
Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds - eventing
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Wednesday, October 6

5:00 - 5:30pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
Miss Pamela - dressage
Dandelion Diamond Rebel - eventing
Celtic Manor Forever Diamonds - eventing
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

BLOCK FOUR

Thursday, October 7

10:00 - 11:00 am IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
Braveheart - eventing
Cradilo - jumping
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Friday, October 8

5:30 - 6:00pm IDHSNA/Connemara Demo featuring:
Braveheart - eventing
Cradilo - jumping
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Saturday, October 9

10:00 - 10:30 am Connemara Demo

10:30 - 11:00am IDHSNA Demo featuring:
Braveheart - eventing
Cradilo - jumping
PL Lucky Tammy - dressage
PL Lucky Empress - dressage
Buddy Satterly - jumping
BenMar Bella Blue - driving

Sunday, October 10

1:00 - 3:30 pm Farewell performance and Closing Ceremonies

Come get "Up Close and Personal" with the demo horses and riders in the "Meet and Greet" arena in the 15 minute time frame following each demonstration.

Be sure to visit the Irish Village booth to visit with our volunteers, pick up a keepsake book and other goodies!

Congrats to Demo Team: Amy & Cradilo!

Demo Team Amy Hunter and Cradilo got second place in the Mason City Grand Prix!! Cradilo was sharp, energetic, and gamey, but controllable, focused and listening. According to Amy, "It's been a long road but I think Cradilo and I are finally beginning to really figure things out. And it felt so great to finally show folks what Cradilo is capable of. We've spent so much time working on slow control and power from the hind end, that people thought he wasn't fast. We lost this class by a hundreth of a second to a very fast thoroughbred ... Malone." Watch their video:

You can also check out a partial video of the pair competing in the $75K Evergreen Invitational:

Keep up the great work, Amy and Cradilo!! Look for this pair performing show jumping demonstrations at the World Equestrian Games in conjunction with the Irish Village!

In Memorium: Demo Horse O'Leary's Irish Diamond

O'Leary's Irish Diamond, RID Stallion ("Irish"): 1994 - 2010

It was with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of O'Leary's Irish Diamond (aka "Irish") just a few short weeks ago. This brilliant stallion touched many lives in his 16 years, not the least of which was his latest job as an ambassador of the breed, as the model for the 2010 RID Breyer Horse.

From a young horse, he had influenced people to take another look at the Irish Draught Horse, and he helped dispel the myth that a large boned horse could not be athletic or competitive in multiple disciplines by excelling in Dressage, Jumpers and Hunters throughout his sixteen years. Irish was bred by Bill and Anna Kennedy in Ireland. His sire Glidawn Diamond (RID) was a son of the famous King of Diamonds (RID). Glidawn Diamond himself passed earlier this year at a grand old age. His dam, Grey Curragong, through her dam-line goes back to Gortlee.

Irish was imported and promoted initially from Ireland in 1997 by James Leary of NM, who adored his horse and closely planned and orchestrated his early Dressage career, through third level, with Jutta Heinsohn in the saddle. Jutta rode Irish for the Irish Inspectors at his performance test, where he earned stellar marks all the way around and had the distinction of becoming the first Irish Draught to be performance tested in Dressage. From that beginning he went on to earn many regional awards as he advanced through the levels of dressage, culminating in completing his dressage career at Prix St. Georges level under then rider/trainer Stephany Fisch of Florida.

In betwixt his dressage career, he also attained awards in jumpers (under Rob Gage) and later hunters as well. Some of his early career awards included:

USDF Performance Certificates in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Levels.
2000 Champion 3rd Level Dressage Assoc. of Southern California.
2002 Open Jumper Champion
2002 Open Modified Jumper Champion
2004 Qualified USDF Regional Championships at Prix St Georges.
Irish was later sold to Melissa Cason-Kinney of Bigfork, Montana of Kinson Stud who not only loved him dearly, but continued his breeding career, campaigned him in Hunters and Jumpers nationally. It is a devastating loss for Melissa and her family who had become remarkably close to Irish and spent much of the last four years making the sport horse world, not just the Irish Draught community, aware of how special O'Leary's Irish Diamond was.
Irish's legacy is not only as the 2010 RID Breyer Horse Model, but his pure and partbred progeny as well. Irish and Melissa were to perform demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games. We are so sorry the world did not get to see them on this stage.
Rest In Peace Irish, "May you be running free in Heaven"

In Memorium: Demo Horse Parkmore Pride

Parkmore Pride was a 1991 Registered Irish Draught Stallion, standing 16.2 hands, by the Pride of Shaunlara (Milestone ex. Boston Burglar) out of Parkmore Jewel (Atlantic Boy ex. Derryfrench Rose). He was purchased at his first show, when he was 10 weeks old, and he won his class. He also won his class in Dublin that year and beat his mother for the championship in Milstreet before being weaned. Parkmore Pride was approved by the Irish Horse Register in 1996 following performance testing in open competition. He had 28 rounds clear in the 8 weeks. He received excellent scores for his conformation and movement. He competed dressage and mainly Jumping prior to moving to the US in 2002, proving himself to be a very versatile horse. Parkmore Pride was imported to the US from Ireland by owner/rider, Fleur Bryan of Parkmore Stud. Parkmore Pride's first show in the U.S. saw him win the Jumper Championship and slot into the reserve slot in the hunter section at the Annual IDHSNA show. With just 9 inches of bone he was a light, athletic horse with a big elegant jump. Parkmore was conformationally very correct, and was a good straight mover, being light and athletic across the ground. He had an excellent temperament, superb manners on the ground and was an extremely easy horse to ride. He possessed a head-turning presence and an elegance seldom seen in such big horses. Parkmore Pride was the youngest Purebred son of the Pride of Shaunlara, one of the most famous Irish Draught bloodlines. His dam, Parkmore Jewel, was the first Irish Draught mare ever to win the Breeders Championship at the RDS Dublin Horse Show. At 19-years-old he still loved to work, and even though he didn't compete anymore, he still got a buzz when he got on the trailer. Parkmore Pride's 2010 foal crop can be seen at Parkmore Stud in Smithfield, Kentucky, just over an hour from the Horse Park. Parkmore was slotted to perform demonstrations at the World Equestrian Games in conjunction with the Irish Village with owner Fleur Bryan on board, but tragically he was laid to rest on August 10, 2010. It is a huge loss for the Irish Draught Community, Fleur and Debbie, and all of their friends. You will still be able to see his 5-year-old son, gelding Buddy Satterly, performing a demonstration with Fleur.

This was all for you, Pudge! Rest well and look down on us from the other side.

Updated from Demo Rider Glenda Player

I am having so much fun this summer preparing for the World Equestrian Games! While there this September, I will be doing a musical freestyle with two of my Playland Farm homebreds PL Lucky Empress and PL Lucky Tammy. It has been awesome to see how far these girls have come! Empress started competing in Training 1 classes this spring, and just did her first First-level test this past month! As part of our preparation, we rode with Olympic Gold-medalist Nicole Uphoff-Selke during a clinic at Turning Point Farm this past month. Wow! Did Nicole work us! We worked on 10-meter canter circles as well as mastering our walk-canter transitions. Despite the heat, Empress was a trooper, and we were also able to work on our lengthenings. The weekend after the clinic we practiced our musical freestyle at a PVDA Schooling Show at Celebration Farm. I can’t wait to show off our hard work at WEG!
Tammy is also doing great this summer. At the beginning of the year she started work after having more than a year off to be a mom. We’ve been focusing on the Training-level dressage tests this summer, and Tammy has always brought home a ribbon. She also went to Celebration Farm to practice her musical freestyle and rocked it!
The musical freestyles have been a new challenge for me. I still have some little kinks to work out with the timing of the music (which is completely my fault … I refused to take music lessons when I was younger … I was too busy riding!). Luckily, I have two more months to master the freestyles on each horse before we leave for Kentucky. Working with EquiChord on these musical freestyles has truly enhanced my riding. It has been so eye opening to see how much the horses respond to the music. They get energy from the music and work harder at trying new things. I cannot wait to show the world what these Irish horses can do!

Watch for Glenda doing Dressage demonstration on both Tammy and Empress at the World Equestrian Games in conjunction with the Irish Village!

Spotlight on Demo Rider: Leslie Bean

Leslie Bean has been riding for 16 years. She began riding at the age of 12 in the hunter/jumper arena. She then began eventing at the age of 18 and began training with United States Olympic Team Coach, Jimmy Wofford in Ocala, Floridain 2004. Leslie's love for dressage grew while she was eventing and she eventually moved to Wellington, FL in 2005 to train in the discipline of dressage full time.

Leslie trained under Catherine Morelli and Cesar Parra for 3 years in Florida. She earned her United State Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medals while showing in Wellington, Florida. Leslie moved to Alpharetta, GA in 2006 and began training with Jason Canton. While training under Jason Canton, Leslie had the opportunity to ride with Henk Von Bergen, International Dressage Team Coach from the Netherlands. Leslie also spent time training in the Netherlands and Germany with Jason Canton.
Currently, Leslie is riding with International French Dressage Coach, Christophe Thaellet. Leslie plans to have her personal horse, Apollinaire, qualified for Gladstone in 2011 as well as showing at the FEI Grand Prix level. The dressage building blocks are never complete and can always be built upon on a daily basis. Leslie continues to build on her dressage skills every day and looks forward to learning from other skilled riders and trainers.Look for Leslie on Miss Pamela doing Dressage Demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games.

Spotlight on Demo Rider: Fleur Bryan

Fleur Bryan was born and raised in the middle of Ireland just 20 miles from the famous Curragh racecourse home of the Irish Derby. Having began riding at the tender age of 2, Fleur quickly developed a passion for and talent with young horses. After graduating from secondary school, Fleur moved to Daffodil Lodge Stud where she trained under the watchful eye of legendary Irish showjumping rider/trainer Iris Kellett, and she began training for her British Horse society certification. After leaving Kelletts, Fleur worked with show hunter horses in Connemara, and event horses in Waterford, before taking a position with International Dressage Judge and Trainer Gisela Holstien. The experience at Holstein's was vast, as all 3 major disciplines were covered in the barn. Fleur had the pleasure of working with Gisela's Olympic Dressage rider daughter, Heike, and showjumper son, Eric, who in the late 1990's held a top 10 spot in the world rankings. Fleur co-owned and mananged Barrowside Stud with her Brother in Ireland for 9 years prior to moving to the U.S. in 2002. There they bred, trained, competed, and sold both showjumpers and event horses, and trained riders. Fleur now co-owns and runs Parkmore Stud, with her partner, Debbie, in the beautiful Blugrass state of Kentucky, where she stood Parkmore Pride, Registered Irish Draught Stallion, and has continued the careful production and training of Irish horses and other breeds. A specialist in English training, Fleur prides herself on her ability to bond with youngsters and turn out horses suitible to be ridden in any discipline by any level of rider. Fleur is the founder of the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games and will be performing demonstrations on Buddy Satterly and Benmar Bella Blue.

Update on Demo Team: Miss Pamela and Leslie

Miss Pamela and Leslie Bean competed at Miss Pamela’s first USDF horseshow with much success. Miss Pamela placed first in Training Level Test 3 with a 67.8% and place third in Training Level Test 1 with a 64.2%. Miss Pamela had no issues fitting into horse show life or the atmosphere at the Georgia International Horse Park. She was cool, calm and collected!
Leslie and Miss Pamela rode in a clinic with Dutch Grand Prix rider and trainer, Ron Smeets. Ron Smeets started his riding career training with Sjef Janssen (trainer of Anky van Grusven, who is currently training the Dutch Dressage Team). He spent his early career showing for Holland in many different international competitions. Ron worked with Leslie on creating more movement from behind through a true shoulder-in, spiraling trot circles and being connected with both the inside and outside reins.
Miss Pamela continues to strengthen and progress in her dressage training on a daily basis. Her owner, Moira, she thought should be sure that she was used to all the “strange sounds” she might encounter at WEG. She purchased a “Spookless” CD from Clinton Anderson’s Down Under Horsemanship and played the CD for Miss Pamela, her sister and mom…..It blew their minds!!!! Hopefully, no one brings any pigs to WEG’s Equine Village to see the demonstrations …. Miss Pamela might turn and run right out of the park! Look for Leslie and Miss Pamela performing Dressage demonstrations as part of the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games.

Spotlight on Demo Team: Debbie Fullilove & Braveheart

Debbie Fullilove grew up just outside of London in England. As soon as she was old enough to venture out on her bicycle, she located the nearest horses to visit and feed carrots to. Soon, she saved her pocket money and for 50 pence was allowed to ride the horses bareback around the fields. At the age of 10 she had convinced her parents that instead of a family vacation, she and her older sister should take riding lessons at the local riding stables. As they say...'that was all she wrote'......After weekends of she and her sister working 24 hours for a 15-minute bareback ride, her parents sacrificed any further vacations and building a garage for the house, and purchased 'Willard,' a wonderful Connemara pony, from Mr. John Window of Mount Mascal Stables in Bexley Kent. Up until she left England at the age of 36, Mount Mascal Stables was Debbie's second home. She was a member of North West Kent Pony Club and Joydens Riding Club, actively competing in show jumping and cross country events as well as hunting with North West Kent and Ashford Vallley Hunts. Thanks to John Window, Debbie also experienced the thrill of Point to Point racing. As Willard, grew older, Debbie purchased a couple of unbroken TB fillies at Ascot bloodstock sales. At this point an Irish Draught was financially 'out of reach.' Knowing her love for Irish horses, especially greys, John found 'Piglet', a 2-year-old Irish Draught Sport Horse filly, and brought her home, knowing that Debbie would not be able to resist her. He was right. Piglet had an unfortunate accident as a 4-year-old and suffered a fracture of the cannon bone. The long road to recovery led to a discovery of dressage and eventually eventing.

When Debbie's company transferred her to Houston, Texas in 1997, Piglet stayed in England. Eventually, Debbie had to decide - return to England or bring Piglet to Texas. After Piglet arrived, Debbie decided that if she was ever to realize her dream of having a 'horse property,' this was the place to do it. In 1999 she purchased a little house in the middle of 7 acres and named it Deanfield Farm. Her Christmas present that year was a breeding to 'Irish Rover RID', but after numerous attempts, Piglet never had a foal. Piglet is now the most popular horse in Pony Club and is on her third child as the perfect school mistress.
As Piglet never produced a foal, Debbie was still dreaming of her Irish Draught. When she heard about the colt 'Braveheart' in New Hampshire, she was drawn to his bloodlines and his movement. Again, he was financially 'out of reach,' but something kept drawing her back to him. Many months and negotiations later, he was on his way to Texas. As a yearling Braveheart had a playmate, Annie the mule; they are both now 10 years old and remain best friends. Braveheart has led the most 'natural' life as possible as a stallion. He lives with his 'mare' and can closely watch over his other mares and babies. Braveheart is by O'Leary's Irish Diamond RID and is the only male offspring of Kilbline RID, the most 'decorated' mare in North America. Like his sire, Braveheart's bloodlines indicate he would be a phenomenal showjumper and dressage horse, but he has been eventing at the lower levels for the past few years. Debbie fits in training and competing whenever her work schedule allows, as well as maintianing the now expanded Deanfield Farm. Braveheart has hunted and his wonderful temperament has allowed for him to give pony rides for all at the farm. One notable fact is that he has great Irish feet and has always been barefoot. As a testament to Braveheart’s offspring, Doug Willard from Industry, Texas, said of his filly, ‘You’d wear the tires off your truck trying to find nicer one.' As far as Braveheart knows, all his ex’s do live in Texas, but he also has offspring in Virginia, Illinois, Washington, Louisiana and Pennsylvania. He is extremely fertile and is a very popular boy at Texas A&M University where he goes for his collection. He has successfully bred every mare, either fresh or frozen semen, or his favorite, live cover. Frozen semen has been exported to Australia and is available for the coming season.
Braveheart - the Irish horse with the Scottish name, owned by the English lady living her dream in Texas. Watch for Debbie and Braveheart performing demonstrations in eventing, jumping, and dressage in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games.

Update on Demo Team: Galanta and Oryla

Demo rider Oryla Ramey showed her Demo horse, Irish Draught Sport Horse gelding, Galanta, at Intermediate Level 2 Dressage for the first time May 15-16, 2010 in California. He won his classes both days, showing all their hard work is paying off!Photo credit: Roncie Weatherington

Oryla and Galanta are extremely excited to have been invited to participate in the USEF Developing Dressage Clinic with Olympic medalist Debbie McDonald June 3-6, 2010. The Developing program has been created to identify and cultivate future US Dressage stars. Participation in these clinics is by invitation only, with riders invited at the direction of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee.

Oryla and Galanta recently started to work with Olympic medalist Charlotte Bredalhl, who is helping them make some big improvements.

Watch for Oryla and Galanta on the show circuit the next few months, and performing Dressage demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games. See the below video of Oryla and Galanta doing Intermediare I at Dressage at Thermal in February 2010:

Spotlight on Demo Rider: Emma Wexler

Emma Wexler is the 12-year-old owner/rider of Registered Irish Draught Sport Horse gelding, Rebel's Run. Emma and Rebel teamed up when they met in 2008. Best to hear Emma's first impression straight from her:

"In anticipation of meeting my new horse, I looked up “rebel” on dictionary.com: “a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition.” Knowing this certainly didn’t make me feel any safer in the saddle, as I swung clumsily up onto the back of a 16h, heavily muscled, dappled grey gelding. It was October 2008, and I was just 10-years-old. So far, the most experience I’d had with a jumper was gaping while Jenny Nelson groomed her horses. So this powerful, playful gelding named Rebel was more than my brain could handle, and I was going to try him out. I was apprehensive as we walked tentatively around the ring. The contrast between my mount and I was like night and day. He was calm, confident, and just a touch cocky, while I was small as a flea on his back and had the confidence of a tulip bulb. You could say I was feeling the pressure, as half a dozen trainers sized us up. I’m still unsure how we “passed” the test, but we did somehow, and that’s what counts. Diane Nunn, my trainer at the time, called out something, probably correcting my posture. To be honest, I think most of it passed over my head, I was exhilarated and in awe, I was riding a "Jumper." I was a little intimidated at first - actually, a lot! Rebel had a solid reputation in many different disciplines. He's definitely named 'Rebel' for a reason! He's mischievous, loving, and loyal all rolled together. He'll nibble my hair just to get a reaction."

Emma began showing Rebel soon after. It was at the Late Fall Pima Academy Cup horse show in Tucson where Emma took her first fall off Rebel in the show ring. Rebel, true to form, finished the line perfectly. After realizing Emma was no longer riding him, he trotted around the ring handsomely and controlled, stopping right at her side. From then on, they became fast friends. This season, Emma and Rebel showed well together in many places including Des Moines, Mason City and Chicago--especially over fences. At the MN Hunter Jumper Association year-end awards dinner, Emma won “Best Child Rider” for 2009. Winning the IDHSNA Hunter I award was also an honor for both horse and rider. Emma is so proud of the work she and Rebel have accomplished to date.
Emma lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with her mom, Elizabeth, and her Corgi, Sammi. They own three horses: Rebel’s Run, Bam Bam, and Rose. Look for Emma and Rebel performing jumping Demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games.

Spotlight on Demo Horse: Rebel's Run

Rebel's Run is a 16 hand grey 9-year-old Registered Irish Draught Sport Horse gelding. It has been said that Rebel was born to jump! His sire, Rebel Yell, is by Glenagyle Rebel out of Neaptide, by Seacrest. His grand sire was a Grade A show jumper and successful stallion, before being exported to Zimbabwe, where he was the champion sport horse stallion in “98.” His grandmother is by Seacrest, one of the top show jumping stallions in Ireland and sire of “Cruising.” Rebel’s Run’s dam is Gala Rose, a thoroughbred mare who was off the track, having won 10 races.

Rebel was bred and raised by Gayle Sheahen of Irish Ridge Farm. Gayle originally envisioned Rebel to be her retirement horse, but he excelled so well in competition, she had to see how far he could go. Rebel's professional training began in 2006 with Carlie Beisel, and they placed first in eventing Beginner Novice his second time out. Carlie and Gayle agreed that Rebel's passion was jumping with a "10" jump, so he began focusing on Hunter/Jumper. After six month, Carlie recommended Rebel begin training with Mike and Heather Bonham. The Bonham's daughter, Kels, rode Rebel first at the 2007 Hits Desert Circuit in Palm Spring, California, and ended the season in Syracuse, New York at the Maclay Finals, where Rebel was the youngest horse there. In 2008, he competed in his first Grand Prix at Lake St Louis. That fall Kels said goodbye to Rebel and went on to Harrisburg, PA where she competed against 274 riders to win the 2008 Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. Rebel headed north to the Fall Harvest show in Minnesota to meet his new owner Emma.Awards
6 yr Old Young Jumpers Championship Midwest League in Lexington KY. 5th place
2007 USEF/USHJD Zone Horse of the Year 5th place
2008 USEF/USHJD Zone Horse of the Year 4th place
2008 Ranked National points 64th for USEF Jr Jumper
Irish Draught Society Year End Awards
2006 Hunter Reserve Championship
2007 Jumping I Reserve Championship
2007 Jumping II Championship
2008 Jumping I Reserve Championship
2008 Jumping II Championship
It was at the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show that Rebel found current owner/rider, Emma Wexler. Emma was 10-years-old at the time. Since teaming up, Emma has ridden him very successfully in the hunter jumper arena. Last year, Emma won the IDHSNA year-end award for Hunter I. She also won the 2009 Minnesota Hunter Jumper Association Best Child Rider award. Since February, they have begun competing at the show jumping level. Right now, they’re competing at levels 0 and 1 and having a great time! Emma is definitely finding her way in show jumping since she made the transition from hunters. Emma and Rebel are beyond excited and working very hard to prepare for their jumping demonstrations in conjunction with the Irish Village at the World Equestrian Games this fall!